Scam library · Government impostor · Seniors · Phone calls
VA benefits fee and claims predator scam
Around Veterans Day and year-round, veterans and families see ads, calls and emails offering help with VA disability claims, "higher ratings," or faster approvals—for a fee, a percentage of benefits, or personal information up front.
The Department of Veterans Affairs is clear: VA will never charge fees to apply for VA benefits or health care. Unaccredited "claims predators" use pressure and false promises. Legitimate help exists through VA-accredited representatives and Veterans Service Organizations.
What the message looks like
From: Caller claiming to be a "VA claims specialist"
"We partner with the VA to unlock higher disability ratings before the backlog closes."
"There's a one-time processing fee of $899, or you can sign today and we take 30% of your back pay."
"I can email the contract now—just sign so we don't lose your spot. Call us back at 555-0142 if the link expires."
How this scam works
VA describes companies and people who are not accredited yet aggressively market claims help by mail, phone and online. They may say you must act now or lose benefits, claim a special relationship with VA, or push a contract that takes a cut of future payments. Some ask you to sign blank forms they will "fill out later."
On its identity-and-benefits scam page, VA notes that the FTC estimated veterans reported $292 million in losses to fraud in 2022 alone—and that figure covers only detected fraud. Separate from identity theft, predatory claims outfits charge for work VA says you should not pay for on an initial claim.
VA also warns about messages that look like official email or texts with urgent links. Real VA communication directs you to VA.gov. Signing in should use secure options such as Login.gov or ID.me, not a random site from an ad.
AARP's Veterans Day guidance matches the same theme: ignore offers to help with VA benefits for a fee, fake military discounts and bogus veteran charities. If a pitch feels rushed or secretive, step back and verify accreditation before you share a DD-214, Social Security number or banking details.
Red flags
- A fee or percentage of benefits to file an initial VA claim.
- Pressure to "act now or lose your chance," or to sign a blank form.
- Claims of a special insider relationship with VA that you cannot verify.
- Ads or texts that send you somewhere other than VA.gov to apply.
- Requests for your Social Security number, direct-deposit details or military records before you confirm the person is VA-accredited.
How to tell it’s fake
- Apply only through VA.gov or a VA facility. VA says it will help gather evidence and will not charge application fees.
- If you want representation, confirm the person or organization is VA-accredited before sharing information.
- Be cautious of aggressive follow-up calls and contracts that skim ongoing benefit payments.
- For charity or discount offers aimed at veterans, verify the organization independently; AARP flags fake military discounts and bogus veteran charities especially around Veterans Day.
What to do if you clicked, paid or shared info
Don’t panic, and don’t blame yourself. These scams are built by professionals. Act quickly, one step at a time.
If you clicked a link or called back
- Close any non-VA.gov application site. If you created a password there, change reused passwords on your real accounts.
- Do not upload military or medical records to a site you have not verified.
If you paid
- Contact your bank or card issuer using the number on your card and dispute unauthorized fees.
- Report suspected unlawful or unethical claims help through VA's fraud channels (including VSAFE / 1-833-388-7233 as listed by VA) and at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
If you shared personal info, a password or a code
- If you shared a Social Security number or banking details, monitor accounts, consider a credit freeze, and use IdentityTheft.gov.
- Review direct-deposit and contact information on VA.gov for changes you did not make.
Where to report and get help (U.S.)
If a message seems legit and you’re still not sure, get a second opinion before you act. Reporting helps stop scammers, even if money can’t be recovered. If you are in danger, call 911.
- Your bank or card issuer
Call the number on the back of your card or on your statement, not one from the message. Ask them to stop or reverse the payment and to watch the account. - Federal Trade Commission (FTC) · ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Report the scam and get a step-by-step recovery plan. - FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) · ic3.gov
Report scams that happened online, especially if money was lost. Include phone numbers, websites and payment details. - AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline · aarp.org helpline
Free, for anyone of any age: trained volunteers help you sort out next steps. 877-908-3360, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern. - IdentityTheft.gov · IdentityTheft.gov
If you shared your Social Security number or someone opened accounts in your name.
How Gmork Scam Guard would warn you
Scam Guard is a Chrome and Edge extension on your computer. It can warn when a look-alike "VA claims" site opens in the browser, but it cannot hear a phone pitch. For calls and ads, hang up, go only to VA.gov, confirm accreditation, and ask a trusted person or scam expert before you pay or sign.
Scam Guard can miss things, so the checks above still matter. See what it warns about and what it keeps private.
Questions people ask
- Does VA ever charge to apply for benefits?
- No. VA states it never charges fees to apply for VA benefits or health care. Be skeptical of anyone who says you must pay to file an initial claim.
- Can anyone legally help with a VA claim?
- Help with claims must come from people VA recognizes. Confirm accreditation before you hire anyone. Unaccredited "claims predators" are a known problem VA warns about.
- I already paid a company that promised a higher rating. What now?
- Stop contact, save contracts and receipts, dispute payments with your bank, and report through VA's fraud reporting options and the FTC. Consider free help from an accredited VSO going forward.